Russians have adapted their strategy near Pokrovsk: instead of frontal assaults, they are now attempting to encircle the city.

The Russian forces have altered their combat tactics near Pokrovsk. They are attempting to encircle the city instead of launching direct frontal assaults.

This was stated by the spokesperson for the operational-strategic group of troops (OSUV) "Khortytsia," Viktor Trehubov, as reported by RBK-Ukraine referencing a telethon broadcast.

According to him, the intensity of attacks in the Pokrovsk direction has not decreased; on the contrary, it has increased. Currently, the Pokrovsk direction accounts for almost half of all combat engagements on the front.

In the immediate vicinity of Pokrovsk, the situation is as follows - there are numerous small skirmishes. The Russians are attempting to infiltrate with small groups from the western side to encircle the city. It is worth noting that the Russian assaults near the city are not particularly large, but their numbers are significant.

"The Russians are not attacking it head-on. And when I mentioned that Pokrovsk is partially evidence that the Russians may be running low on resources – it’s precisely because they previously engaged directly with all cities," Trehubov explained.

He believes that for the first time, the Russians have begun to fight "scientifically."

"For the first time, they are not just launching frontal waves, but are attempting to encircle, trying to bypass a large city and force Ukrainian forces to exit it. This is exactly what we are witnessing near Pokrovsk," the spokesperson stated.

Fighting for Pokrovsk

It is important to remember that since the end of last summer, the Russians have been trying to break through the defenses in the Pokrovsk direction. Earlier, Trehubov mentioned that the enemy wants to trap the city, but they are unsuccessful.

The American Institute for the Study of War noted that the Russians are creating a strike group south of Pokrovsk. This may indicate Russia's plans to change tactical priorities.

It has also become known that Russian forces have changed their offensive tactics on Pokrovsk. The occupiers are attempting to bypass the city from the west through small villages and forested areas, as well as disrupt Ukrainian logistical chains.